Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…

Others apprehend, That nothing short of a Probable and Credible Profession of a Justifying Faith, qualifies for the Eucharist; where the Benefits of that Faith are sealed unto us: And, That in many a Man, of a Conversation free from Vice in the Opinion of the Neighbours, a good Examination may render it not probable and credible unto a Rational Charity, that he has yet attained unto a Justifying Faith. And, that therefore the Candidates of the Communion should be Examined, not only about their Knowledge, and their Belief, and a Conversation free from Scandal, but also about their Experimental Piety. Because it appears unto them the Law of Christ, That Communicants at the Table of the Lord, should be such as can and will Examine themselves; The Pastors thus persuaded, that they may do the part of Porters to the House of GOD, Examine ⟨p. 86⟩those that seek Admission into the Particular Churches, and would so have the Holy Table always free to them, Whether they have Examined themselves; and what they find or hope upon their Self-Examination? Indeed the Discipline of the Churches hath (in their Platform) Charitably provided, That the weakest Measure of Faith is to be accepted, in those that Desire to be admitted into the Church; such Charity and Tenderness is to be used, as the weakest Christian if sincere, may not be excluded, or discouraged: Severity of Examination is to be avoided. According to this, that many of those who in their Adult Age, are admitted unto Baptism, do not presently also come unto the Lord's Supper, it seems owing rather to their own choosing to stay till they are more satisfied in their Qualifications, than from the Churches refusing to admit them, should they desire it.

Others apprehend, That nothing short of a Probable and Credible Profession of a Justifying Faith, qualifies for the Eucharist; where the Benefits of that Faith are sealed unto us: And, That in many a Man, of a Conversation free from Vice in the Opinion of the Neighbours, a good Examination may render it not probable and credible unto a Rational Charity, that he has yet attained unto a Justifying Faith. And, that therefore the Candidates of the Communion should be Examined, not only about their Knowledge, and their Belief, and a Conversation free from Scandal, but also about their Experimental Piety. Because it appears unto them the Law of Christ, That Communicants at the Table of the Lord, should be such as can and will Examine themselves; The Pastors thus perswaded, that they may do the part of Porters to the House of GOD, Examine